5d, a mini digital back

[marcio_napoli]

Hi,

Not that my opinion really matters, just thought I'd share my 5d 1 experience.

I'm a fashion shooter (currently retired). Been shooting Nikon (mostly D700, a bit D800), and have shot with 4 different digital backs, ranging from the 22mp generation to the higher end 39 and 40mp backs, P40+ and P45+.

I've always believed some cameras have earned the reputation of "magical" for a reason.

I mean, it can't be some sort of collective illusion.

If a giant number of people are seeing something special, to the point of labeling it as "magic", there must be something special going on.

My D200 and my 22mp Leaf Aptus are solid examples of this. Both are referenced as "magic", and yes, both have a very special rendering.

Recently, a friend of mine has bought the original 5d. Needless to say, it's regarded as magic for many years at Canon land.

I borrowed it and ran some tests.

Bottom line:

It was obvious from the start why it has such a high reputation.

Colors are AMAZING without any pp.

I shot it with a cheapo 50mm 1.8 at f8 - 11, and I'll make a bold statement now:

Having extensively shot with 4 different digital backs, I can safely say: it has a digital back IQ, specially at the pixel level sharpness and micro contrast.

With good technique, optimal lens aperture and ISO 50 or 100, it has exactly the same sharpness I get from my Leaf Aptus back.

It just made me envy.

My far superior D700 with far superior lens, both at 12mp resolution, is absolutely mushy in comparison.

As soon as I saw the 5d results, it was like seeing a 12mp digital back file.

Of course, it doesn't stand a change on shadow lifting or High ISO compared to modern cameras, but at sheer sharpness alone, I'd rank it far, far above any of my Nikon gear (including D800), and right there with digital backs.

There you go.

I does have flaws, like terrible banding on deep shadows, and lots of shadow noise by today's standards.

But if you're shooting on controlled lighting like me, that's not really a problem.

I wish I've shot with the 5d for the past 7 years, instead of my D700 (or even my D800).

Kudos for Canon

Regards,

Marcio Napoli

 

[Potemkin_Photo]

The 5d classics are going at an amazing price: $300-400 now. Best to grab some now while they're around. Canon won't be servicing them any more after this year though.

 

[marcio_napoli]

Yup, that's tons of IQ for such low money.

If you shoot only in good light, there's no better deal on the market.

I wish I had discovered this special sauce when I was still shooting professionally...

Regards,

Marcio Napoli

 

[pahountisg]

1ds mk 2 is similar and even better with more mpixels too!

 

[Potemkin_Photo]

1ds mk 2 is similar and even better with more mpixels too!

 

[pahountisg]

Perhaps because Canon doesn't make the parts anymore and it can't be serviced if it breaks down?

I think so too.

Dont forget it is a 2005 model too !

 

[Martin Crombie Photography]

Been using 2 x5d mrk1's 12MP since 2008 (just went over to a 6D for video feature/lowlight) Never needed for more MP but small LCD outdoors can make them tricky to gauge the exposure. As you say in controlled conditions they are fabulous cameras, I kept 1 back.


5d + 70-200 125th 800asa

 

[Potemkin_Photo]

Been using 2 x5d mrk1's 12MP since 2008 (just went over to a 6D for video feature/lowlight) Never needed for more MP but small LCD outdoors can make them tricky to gauge the exposure. As you say in controlled conditions they are fabulous cameras, I kept 1 back.


5d + 70-200 125th 800asa

The 5d is Canon's energizer bunny. It really was a watershed body.

 

[Michael EOS5D]

That's why I've kept mine for 10 years.

 

[RedFox88]

Hi,

Not that my opinion really matters, just thought I'd share my 5d 1 experience.

Your #1 5D?

I'm a fashion shooter (currently retired). Been shooting Nikon (mostly D700, a bit D800), and have shot with 4 different digital backs, ranging from the 22mp generation to the higher end 39 and 40mp backs, P40+ and P45+.

I've always believed some cameras have earned the reputation of "magical" for a reason.

I mean, it can't be some sort of collective illusion.

If a giant number of people are seeing something special, to the point of labeling it as "magic", there must be something special going on.

My D200 and my 22mp Leaf Aptus are solid examples of this. Both are referenced as "magic", and yes, both have a very special rendering.

Recently, a friend of mine has bought the original 5d. Needless to say, it's regarded as magic for many years at Canon land.

I borrowed it and ran some tests.

Bottom line:

It was obvious from the start why it has such a high reputation.

Colors are AMAZING without any pp.

I shot it with a cheapo 50mm 1.8 at f8 - 11, and I'll make a bold statement now:

Having extensively shot with 4 different digital backs, I can safely say: it has a digital back IQ, specially at the pixel level sharpness and micro contrast.

With good technique, optimal lens aperture and ISO 50 or 100, it has exactly the same sharpness I get from my Leaf Aptus back.

It just made me envy.

My far superior D700 with far superior lens, both at 12mp resolution, is absolutely mushy in comparison.

As soon as I saw the 5d results, it was like seeing a 12mp digital back file.

Of course, it doesn't stand a change on shadow lifting or High ISO compared to modern cameras, but at sheer sharpness alone, I'd rank it far, far above any of my Nikon gear (including D800), and right there with digital backs.

There you go.

I does have flaws, like terrible banding on deep shadows, and lots of shadow noise by today's standards.

But if you're shooting on controlled lighting like me, that's not really a problem.

I wish I've shot with the 5d for the past 7 years, instead of my D700 (or even my D800).

Kudos for Canon

Regards,

Marcio Napoli

 

[Potemkin_Photo]

Hi,

Not that my opinion really matters, just thought I'd share my 5d 1 experience.

Your #1 5D?

I'm a fashion shooter (currently retired). Been shooting Nikon (mostly D700, a bit D800), and have shot with 4 different digital backs, ranging from the 22mp generation to the higher end 39 and 40mp backs, P40+ and P45+.

I've always believed some cameras have earned the reputation of "magical" for a reason.

I mean, it can't be some sort of collective illusion.

If a giant number of people are seeing something special, to the point of labeling it as "magic", there must be something special going on.

My D200 and my 22mp Leaf Aptus are solid examples of this. Both are referenced as "magic", and yes, both have a very special rendering.

Recently, a friend of mine has bought the original 5d. Needless to say, it's regarded as magic for many years at Canon land.

I borrowed it and ran some tests.

Bottom line:

It was obvious from the start why it has such a high reputation.

Colors are AMAZING without any pp.

I shot it with a cheapo 50mm 1.8 at f8 - 11, and I'll make a bold statement now:

Having extensively shot with 4 different digital backs, I can safely say: it has a digital back IQ, specially at the pixel level sharpness and micro contrast.

With good technique, optimal lens aperture and ISO 50 or 100, it has exactly the same sharpness I get from my Leaf Aptus back.

It just made me envy.

My far superior D700 with far superior lens, both at 12mp resolution, is absolutely mushy in comparison.

As soon as I saw the 5d results, it was like seeing a 12mp digital back file.

Of course, it doesn't stand a change on shadow lifting or High ISO compared to modern cameras, but at sheer sharpness alone, I'd rank it far, far above any of my Nikon gear (including D800), and right there with digital backs.

There you go.

I does have flaws, like terrible banding on deep shadows, and lots of shadow noise by today's standards.

But if you're shooting on controlled lighting like me, that's not really a problem.

I wish I've shot with the 5d for the past 7 years, instead of my D700 (or even my D800).

Kudos for Canon

Regards,

Marcio Napoli

Still have mine as well.

Been shooting the crap out of it recently.

Once the shutter goes though I don't think I'll have it fixed.

 

[Rexgig0]

I have 5D and D700 cameras. I agree that 5D images, down to the pixel level, are beautiful, and that the colors are wonderful. For moving subjects, however, the D700's AF is much more capable, and the D700 has weather-sealing. Action, in low light, is where the D700 is "magic." I could do everything I need to do, photographically, with 5D and D700 camera bodies, supported by good lenses, Speedlites, and Speedlights. I do not reject higher-MP cameras, but do not "need" them.

I was already using a pair of 7D cameras, in late 2011, when I added a 5D. I considered upgrading to the 5D Mark II, in 2012, and decided to let it pass. I considered upgrading to the 5D Mark III, when its time came, and I let it pass. When the prices of pre-owned D700 cameras dropped significantly in 2014, I bought a pair of them, for less than I would have paid for a 5D Mark III, new or used. (I already had Nikon SLR film cameras, and my wife is a Nikon DSLR shooter, so I already had good Nikon lenses and Speedlights.)

This does not mean, of course, that I am going to get rid of my 7D and 7D Mark II cameras! I traded one 7D toward one of my current pair of 7D Mark II cameras.

 

[fPrime]

I have 5D and D700 cameras. I agree that 5D images, down to the pixel level, are beautiful, and that the colors are wonderful. For moving subjects, however, the D700's AF is much more capable, and the D700 has weather-sealing. Action, in low light, is where the D700 is "magic." I could do everything I need to do, photographically, with 5D and D700 camera bodies, supported by good lenses, Speedlites, and Speedlights. I do not reject higher-MP cameras, but do not "need" them.

I was already using a pair of 7D cameras, in late 2011, when I added a 5D. I considered upgrading to the 5D Mark II, in 2012, and decided to let it pass. I considered upgrading to the 5D Mark III, when its time came, and I let it pass. When the prices of pre-owned D700 cameras dropped significantly in 2014, I bought a pair of them, for less than I would have paid for a 5D Mark III, new or used. (I already had Nikon SLR film cameras, and my wife is a Nikon DSLR shooter, so I already had good Nikon lenses and Speedlights.)

This does not mean, of course, that I am going to get rid of my 7D and 7D Mark II cameras! I traded one 7D toward one of my current pair of 7D Mark II cameras.

--
I wear a badge and pistol, and make evidentiary images at night, which incorporates elements of portrait, macro, still life, landscape, architecture, and PJ. I enjoy using both Canons and Nikons.

This mirrors my setup exactly, and for the same reasons!

Of course, I also have a D200 which (with its beautiful CCD sensor) is my DX version of a digital back. ;-)

fPrime

 

[fPrime]

Hi,

Not that my opinion really matters, just thought I'd share my 5d 1 experience.

I'm a fashion shooter (currently retired). Been shooting Nikon (mostly D700, a bit D800), and have shot with 4 different digital backs, ranging from the 22mp generation to the higher end 39 and 40mp backs, P40+ and P45+.

I've always believed some cameras have earned the reputation of "magical" for a reason.

I mean, it can't be some sort of collective illusion.

If a giant number of people are seeing something special, to the point of labeling it as "magic", there must be something special going on.

My D200 and my 22mp Leaf Aptus are solid examples of this. Both are referenced as "magic", and yes, both have a very special rendering.

Recently, a friend of mine has bought the original 5d. Needless to say, it's regarded as magic for many years at Canon land.

I borrowed it and ran some tests.

Bottom line:

It was obvious from the start why it has such a high reputation.

Colors are AMAZING without any pp.

I shot it with a cheapo 50mm 1.8 at f8 - 11, and I'll make a bold statement now:

Having extensively shot with 4 different digital backs, I can safely say: it has a digital back IQ, specially at the pixel level sharpness and micro contrast.

With good technique, optimal lens aperture and ISO 50 or 100, it has exactly the same sharpness I get from my Leaf Aptus back.

It just made me envy.

My far superior D700 with far superior lens, both at 12mp resolution, is absolutely mushy in comparison.

As soon as I saw the 5d results, it was like seeing a 12mp digital back file.

Of course, it doesn't stand a change on shadow lifting or High ISO compared to modern cameras, but at sheer sharpness alone, I'd rank it far, far above any of my Nikon gear (including D800), and right there with digital backs.

There you go.

I does have flaws, like terrible banding on deep shadows, and lots of shadow noise by today's standards.

But if you're shooting on controlled lighting like me, that's not really a problem.

I wish I've shot with the 5d for the past 7 years, instead of my D700 (or even my D800).

Kudos for Canon

Regards,

Marcio Napoli

Hi Marcio,

I added a 5Dc to my D700 and D200 just 9 months ago so technically it is my "newest" body. But as you say, in the realm of color quality what is old can actually be better than what is new today... the 5DS and D810 included.

I believe the color magic you cite all goes back to the fact that the fat pixels in 12 MP full frame CMOS sensors still allow the use of very strong CFA's in the 5Dc and D700. Similarly, the greater overall light sensitivity of CCD sensor substrate allow cameras like the 10 MP D200 to use a strong CFA with a smaller DX format.

fPrime

 

[Potemkin_Photo]

Hi,

Not that my opinion really matters, just thought I'd share my 5d 1 experience.

I'm a fashion shooter (currently retired). Been shooting Nikon (mostly D700, a bit D800), and have shot with 4 different digital backs, ranging from the 22mp generation to the higher end 39 and 40mp backs, P40+ and P45+.

I've always believed some cameras have earned the reputation of "magical" for a reason.

I mean, it can't be some sort of collective illusion.

If a giant number of people are seeing something special, to the point of labeling it as "magic", there must be something special going on.

My D200 and my 22mp Leaf Aptus are solid examples of this. Both are referenced as "magic", and yes, both have a very special rendering.

Recently, a friend of mine has bought the original 5d. Needless to say, it's regarded as magic for many years at Canon land.

I borrowed it and ran some tests.

Bottom line:

It was obvious from the start why it has such a high reputation.

Colors are AMAZING without any pp.

I shot it with a cheapo 50mm 1.8 at f8 - 11, and I'll make a bold statement now:

Having extensively shot with 4 different digital backs, I can safely say: it has a digital back IQ, specially at the pixel level sharpness and micro contrast.

With good technique, optimal lens aperture and ISO 50 or 100, it has exactly the same sharpness I get from my Leaf Aptus back.

It just made me envy.

My far superior D700 with far superior lens, both at 12mp resolution, is absolutely mushy in comparison.

As soon as I saw the 5d results, it was like seeing a 12mp digital back file.

Of course, it doesn't stand a change on shadow lifting or High ISO compared to modern cameras, but at sheer sharpness alone, I'd rank it far, far above any of my Nikon gear (including D800), and right there with digital backs.

There you go.

I does have flaws, like terrible banding on deep shadows, and lots of shadow noise by today's standards.

But if you're shooting on controlled lighting like me, that's not really a problem.

I wish I've shot with the 5d for the past 7 years, instead of my D700 (or even my D800).

Kudos for Canon

Regards,

Marcio Napoli

Hi Marcio,

I added a 5Dc to my D700 and D200 just 9 months ago so technically it is my "newest" body. But as you say, in the realm of color quality what is old can actually be better than what is new today... the 5DS and D810 included.

I believe the color magic you cite all goes back to the fact that the fat pixels in 12 MP full frame CMOS sensors still allow the use of very strong CFA's in the 5Dc and D700. Similarly, the greater overall light sensitivity of CCD sensor substrate allow cameras like the 10 MP D200 to use a strong CFA with a smaller DX format.

fPrime

Been really enjoying shooting my 5dc with sigma 35 art.

Can shoot up to ISO 800 with some noise which is not too unpleasant.

Played with my brother's mk iii a couple years back, and couldn't really say that it was leagues better.

Once they get "noiseless" ISO 1600-3200, I think I'd be interested in an upgrade.

 

[marcio_napoli]

Hi fPrime,

Just noticed your post!

Agree on every single word you've said.

Different eras, different pixel counts, different CFA strengh = very different results.

On a side note, one camera I'm sure you'd also love is the Nikon D1X, fPrime.

Simply AMAZING color output (maybe a touch better than the D200).

But you see, the megapixel trend is infinite, it seems.

36 to 50 mp to who knows? 80, 100, 120 mp? On a tiny 35mm frame?

Where do people think the compromises are being made?

No matter what, every new high mp monster we get, people come out with all sorts of defenses for an endless amount of pixels, which in real life, mean so little.

And for those that are not seeking specs, there we have it: color blind cameras.

Best regards,

Marcio Napoli

 

[fPrime]

Hi fPrime,

Just noticed your post!

Agree on every single word you've said.

Different eras, different pixel counts, different CFA strengh = very different results.

On a side note, one camera I'm sure you'd also love is the Nikon D1X, fPrime.

Simply AMAZING color output (maybe a touch better than the D200).

Thanks for the tip, Marcio, I'll keep my eye open for a D1x on Craigslist should they ever come up. Right now there are none listed in my area... their owners must be holding on to them with death grips, haha.

But you see, the megapixel trend is infinite, it seems.

36 to 50 mp to who knows? 80, 100, 120 mp? On a tiny 35mm frame?

Where do people think the compromises are being made?

I know, if real only life worked this way... no compromises and no law of diminishing returns. Unfortunately the reality is that there are always engineering and optical trade-offs.

No matter what, every new high mp monster we get, people come out with all sorts of defenses for an endless amount of pixels, which in real life, mean so little.

If we all routinely had to print billboards it'd be worthwhile pursuit to want more megapixels at the expense of noise, color, and tonality. I'd get that. But the reality is that few people print anything these days.

Networked, big screen TV's might be the best display media but it will take awhile to migrate from 2K to 4K (8 MP). A 12 MP source image will likely suffice for most of our lifespans.

And for those that are not seeking specs, there we have it: color blind cameras.

Best regards,

Marcio Napoli

It's really a shame that the traditional camera companies keep iterating higher megapixel sensors. Only Sony was bold enough to release a low density full frame sensor in the A7s. I would have eagerly bought if it had come in a Nikon or Canon body. Until that happens, I'll simply try other classic color champs bought from the used market before they fall apart or disappear.

What do you think of the Leica M9 and M-E full frame CCD sensor? It sounds like it could be the basis for a color king but I can't say that I'm overwhelmed by what I see posted from Leica users on Flickr... as a group they seem to love underexposing and twisting their processing.

fPrime

 

[TareqPhoto]

This thread making me to feel happy that i still have my 5Dc, i was thinking to sell it long time ago, but the internal mirror detached so i canceled the idea to sell it, but i can't repair it for free or low price in my country, so this camera will remain un-used forever maybe.

 

[Winterfrost]

The 5D does have a very light AA Filter, therefore it renders pictures sharper than the (way better from a technical point in all ways) Nikon D700 - don't get me wrong, i am a Nikon Fan, i've found the haptics, handling and menue style with any Nikon quite good, and i really have had been a way hard time to get used to that Canon "Thumbwheel" feature, because i'd love just to have another, 2nd Dial onto the back like on any other brand, say Nikon, Pentax & Sony, Olympus, Panasonic...that thing really drives me crazy...can't stand it...but the 5D "Classic" or Mk. I is a true Classic already onto it's own - and by the time i've bought it 2nd hand, was about 300-400 bucks cheaper than the D700, which i adore and like very much...so i ventured into Canon territory after my 30D, and bought the 5D...it's IQ is still into 2015 great, 12.8 MP are way enough, and big, fat pixels onto the FF Sensor..the D700, A7S also (with 12 MP) do have this special kind of rendering pictures...perhaps it's just physics, the greater light gathering ability because of physical bigger pixels...i keep my 5D, even the thumbweel and the worse 2.5" Display drive me crazy.

For the same reason, i do love my (now back again bought 2nd hand) D80 Nikon, very easy to use, handle...10 MP onto DX(APS-C) CCD sensor...the color rendering at Low ISO is just great for my taste...works mostly with my 18-70 DX, but sometimes also with my 17-50/2.8 (no VC) Tamron. Great Combo, too.

 

[Winterfrost]

This thread making me to feel happy that i still have my 5Dc, i was thinking to sell it long time ago, but the internal mirror detached so i canceled the idea to sell it, but i can't repair it for free or low price in my country, so this camera will remain un-used forever maybe.

Do you have a Canon Service Partner at your country? Canon is fixing the Mirror issue for free, it doesn't matter how old your 5Dc is, but it'll stop doing so on 30.9.2015 now.